Hey, guys, I have received a large number of responses to my column about hemangiosarcoma.

Mainly, these responses have requested a course be developed or some type of information be provided to those interested in learning more about canine cancer.

One in two dogs are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. That’s an overwhelmingly high number. If your dog has cancer, or you would like to learn about canine cancer in more depth, I do have a course available already. It’s been available for about a year now and I’ve received a significant amount of support from those who have completed the course.

The course is entitled The Full Spectrum Approach to Canine Cancer Care. You can find the course by visiting e-trainingfordogs.com/canine-cancer-care/. The course is 100% online and completely self-paced making it easy for you to complete as you have the time and energy to do so.

I worked alongside a famous veterinarian, Dr. Demian Dressler, researching canine cancer. He’s actually known as the ‘dog cancer vet’ in the dog world. If you have been following my writing, you have likely seen articles with his name somewhere within them. I have written many, many articles regarding every type of canine cancer with his publishing company.

Of course, I worked on the behavioral side of the spectrum as I am not a veterinarian. I am a Canine Behaviorist (doctorate-level). This course dives into what you can do, yourself, to improve your dog’s quality of life during their battle with cancer. You would be surprised how much help you can be on the behavioral side of cancer while continuing to battle cancer with your veterinarian.

The class covers a range of topics in canine cancer care. Of course, we cover the terminology. It’s easy to get mixed up with jargon (words you don’t know-medical terms). So, that’s one of the main points we highlight. Then, you’re able to better understand what your veterinarian is discussing with you.

We talk about how your mindset affects your dog’s mindset in regard to cancer. Of course, you are frustrated, panicked, and probably feeling every emotion in the book when you first hear your dog’s diagnosis. It’s important to understand your dog feels all those emotions. It’s hard for you and you understand what’s going on. Imagine how your dog feels; he doesn’t exactly understand. He doesn’t know what’s going to happen.

Your comfort is their comfort. Your confidence is their confidence. Be their rock. As someone who has lost a dog to cancer, I understand this isn’t easy. It’s not easy at all. And, I wish I would have had the opportunity to take a course like this, and grab Dr. Dressler’s book, while my dog had cancer. It would have helped tremendously.

That’s why I have created this course. Paws, the dog I lost to cancer, inspired me to research cancer further and help as many dogs (and their families) as possible. Dr. Dressler began his ‘journey to fame’ one year prior to my dog passing away.

Since I have also worked in canine nutrition, and understand Dr. Dressler’s recommended diet for dogs with cancer, we also discuss the dog cancer diet. The dog cancer diet is designed to maximize your dog’s quality of life and encourage her to eat. Most times, when dogs have cancer, they begin to lose their appetite. The dog cancer diet is nutritious but “yummy” at the same time.

Your dog may also begin to lose her ‘joys of life.’ We need to ensure we keep as many ‘joys of life’ as possible. Eating and drinking, for example, is a joy of life for your dog. You wouldn’t think of that as a ‘joy,’ or at least I didn’t until I began working with dogs who had cancer on a regular basis. But, we talk about all the joys of life and how to maximize as much as possible. And, when to know ‘it’s time to let go.’

Other topics include hospice for your dog, coping, and grieving mechanisms. We all cope and grieve differently, but there are suggestions included in the course to help you get through such a difficult time.

Our dogs are our family. We want what is best for them. This course covers as much as I could possibly think of to tell you in regard to the behavior and nutrition side of the spectrum.

Of course, you should still continue to work with your veterinarian regarding the medical side.

But, by taking advantage of the full spectrum, you’re able to improve your dog’s life in her or his remaining days with you (and hopefully extend that time).

Obviously, you also have me as an Instructor so you’re able to ask any questions you may have regarding any of the material.

You’ll also find the book incredibly helpful (information for the book is included on the course page). I have several copies myself I have handed out to those in need.

That’s all I have for you today. Please let me know if you have any questions. As a reminder, my email is AmberLDrake@dogbehaviorblog.org. Or, you can contact me via my contact form at AmberLDrake.org.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.